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E82 / E87 / E88 1 Series (2008 - 2013) BMWs throw back to the iconic 2002, with a renewed form and function. The smallest car in BMW's line up but still packs a punch. Available in coupe or convertible, powered by a naturaly aspirated inline 6 in the 128 or the turbo twin power inline 6 rocket sled 135.

Hi guys!, I'm new to the 1 series forum. I am planning to get a 135 fairly soon and wanted some opinions on the car. I am in an '09 370Z at the moment and like the car, but have always had a fondness for the shape of the 1 series! And getting back in to a quality, german built ride is where I want to be! And after seeing the performance test between my car and the 135 being basically the same....I want one! I've seen a thread about the removal of the dipstick, which erks me alot cause I do my own maintainance. I did a search on problems with the 1, but came up with nothing. was just looking for a little quick input on the car and how you all feel about driving it!

I have just ordered a 135i, but don't have anything I can add really since I do not have my car yet. I am taking delivery on April 13th at the Performance Center.

One thing I can say is that for the first 4 years and 50k miles BMW will cover all of your oil changes and other maintenance short of buying tires and putting gas in the car. Oil changes beyond what is called for by the car's computer are on you.

You'll have to fill me in on that baby when you get it!! I don't mind waiting on the computer saying when it's time, I just like to do the work myself and don't trust the sensor to tell me where the oil level is. I've read where some folks say it has been off at times, and the one in my '04 Carrera wasn't perfect either, but I DID have a dipstick! Maybe these car companies have seen people foul up an oil change and would rather the amateur DIY'r not participate

If that is your concern I can comment there. My 2007 Z4 Coupe has the 3.0l 255hp inline six that also appeared in the 2006 330i. It does not have a dipstick. I have had it about 2 years and 20k miles now. I have not had any issues with the sensor (knock on wood) and my car is now at 38700 miles and over 5 years old. It works as advertised as far as detecting the oil level. I do have to trust it is correct though since I can't double check on a dipstick. I have not done my own oil changes, though I am comfortable doing them, and feel that so long as I added what was called for in the books minus a half quart or so and go from there, it would be fine. I would adjust to full using the sensor which should be accurate to at least 1/4 quart increments I think.

As far as DIY goes, ya I agree with you. I think they want to service the car themselves during that warranty period so they don't wind up fixing someone's mistake at home. After the repairs are on the consumer they don't care any more because that is money into their pockets through parts, labor, and new car sales. I have pretty much taken the mindset that I am going to just get a car under warranty/maintenance at all times and not have to worry about it besides tires and gas. I am getting my 135i as a lease, which is a first for me, and if I like the experience may go to doing that every 2-3 years.

I dont think I would let the "no dipstick" thing stop me from buying the car, but if I had my choice..... Also I am not going to be purchasing a new car, but rather a 2 or 3 year old vehicle with low mileage, so I will soon to be paying for my oil changes at the dealership I suppose. Knowing me, I will probably do it myself anyway, I've had so many issues with dealers and them doing a job wrong or improperly adjusting something, I feel so much better knowing I did the job and it got done properly. I haven't driven a 135 yet, but I am sure I will love it!

Thinkin about it, when did the "no dipstick" start?, or has it always been like this on the 1 series?

Thinkin about it, when did the "no dipstick" start?, or has it always been like this on the 1 series?

Probably around 2006 with the introduction of the E9X models. As the 1 series was introduced in the US in 2008, it has never had a dipstick. But the oil level sensor has worked perfectly on the 2 late model Bimmers I own, and since the NA I6 seems to only burn about 1/2 quart per 8,000 miles, it's not really an issue.

Although my 1er is a "lowly" 128i 'vert, it has performed flawlessly - including extended road trips of up up to 8,000 miles.

If you will getting a car with iDrive/Navigation, I suggest avoiding the '08 model as the HD based 09+ versions have been reported as superior. Otherwise, there is little difference among the various years.

The 135i is a fantastic car! It has almost perfect balance, handling is tight and direct, and the power is more than sufficient. I bought an `08 CPO convertible in October and would recommend this approach (CPO) to anyone interested in this car. Make sure to get the Sport Package!

The 135i is a fantastic car! It has almost perfect balance, handling is tight and direct, and the power is more than sufficient. I bought an `08 CPO convertible in October and would recommend this approach (CPO) to anyone interested in this car. Make sure to get the Sport Package!

Thanks so much! That is exactly what I hoped for! I need to go and drive one soon!

As far as maintenance goes, you would do well to follow Mike Miller at bmwcca - he is the Tech Editor there, and has some good advice on BMW maintenance.

Also, if you are planning on keeping the car for any length of time past the warranty, it would be prudent to go above and beyond the BMW scheduled maintenance. For example, BMW would have you not change the oil ever in your gearbox and differential!! Surely, the synthetic oils are better... but not that much better that you should never change them...

So do yourself a favor, and find a good local independent shop and make use of them even during warranty.

Seriously, I've had my 2012 135i for almost three months now and seriously couldn't be happier. Already topped 5000 miles and I still can't wipe that stupid grin off my face that I've had pretty much every time I've driven it.

I cross-shopped it with an Infiniti G37 Coupe, so similar to yours. To me it came down to the fact that the Infiniti was nowhere near as refined, had far less headroom in the rear (don't use the back seats much, but I like to have them when I need them!) and honestly once I did European Delivery and negotiated the price up from invoice as is customary around here, it really wasn't that much more than the G37. Score Bimmer.

Yes, I had Bimmers before but I really thought I was ready for something new. Even drove the Audi S4 and S5 as a comparo... almost got an M3 but SO glad I got the 135i. Yes, it doesn't have the awesome V8 of the M3, but man this is 95% of the car for 70% of the cost. How can you argue with that?

For the record, this 1'er has also been one of my favourite cars I have ever owned. My miles will stop climbing so quickly soon as I start riding my motorcycle more in the summer, but every mile I put on it I know I'll enjoy.

Hi guys!, I'm new to the 1 series forum. I am planning to get a 135 fairly soon and wanted some opinions on the car. I am in an '09 370Z at the moment and like the car, but have always had a fondness for the shape of the 1 series! And getting back in to a quality, german built ride is where I want to be! And after seeing the performance test between my car and the 135 being basically the same....I want one! I've seen a thread about the removal of the dipstick, which erks me alot cause I do my own maintainance. I did a search on problems with the 1, but came up with nothing. was just looking for a little quick input on the car and how you all feel about driving it!

Grazie!!

Rob

Hi Rob, i've had my 135i for 3 years now and other than the common HPFP fault, my car has performed completely flawless. In terms of comparison to the 350Z, althougg the figures are the same, the 135i will use less fuel (and to be honest, you'd really wanted to compare the 370Z to it, not the 350Z as this is a closer comparison).

The dip stick sensor has never been an issue. Once the engine has been driven for around 5-10 mins you can use the on board computer to check the oil level whenever you want. I'm running a tune on mine and i find you may need to top up the oil once between services. The cool thing is the on board computer will tell you how much you need to fil e.g. 1litre... ive never had to top up more than 1 litre between services and since my last service, i have still not needed to top it up and my next service is now due in 1000miles.

In terms of driving it, i love the car, although the long wheelbase coupled with high low end torque the back end can slip quite often if you're not feathering the throttle. Also (most people are not interested in modifications) the potential tuning capabilities for the N54 engine in the 135i is really good. There's still a lot of power to gain from the 3.litre |6. I had mine tuned after 2 years of owning it in stock form. Since the tune ive not had any issues nor have i got bored of the extra power yet (and i only have a tune, nothing else... yet )